Ethiopian Volcano Dust: Why India Breathes Harder(AQI > 500 )

Ethiopian Volcano Dust: Why India Breathes Harder (AQI > 500 )

Ethiopia's Erta Ale volcano is constantly bubbling and releasing huge clouds of ash and a gas called sulfur dioxide (SO2) high into the sky. Even though Ethiopia is very far from India, this pollution doesn't just stay put—it can travel worldwide.
Strong, high-altitude winds, like the jet stream, act as super-fast conveyors, pushing these volcanic clouds across the globe and towards India(especially North India) When the sulfur dioxide gas from the volcano arrives over India, it mixes with the air and creates tiny, invisible dust particles called sulfate aerosols. These particles are a type of air pollution known as PM2.5.
India already struggles with very poor air quality, and this added "volcanic dust" makes the problem worse. These tiny particles are easily breathed in, which can cause or worsen lung problems like asthma , COPD , ILD .So, when the volcano erupts in Ethiopia, it indirectly means a little bit more pollution is floating in the air over India. It shows how everything in our planet's atmosphere is connected—a big event far away can literally change the air we breathe right here.
To avoid health problems , we should use mask , avoid going outdoor, avoid outdoor sports , use air purifier at home.

Dr. Pravin Taware
Dr. Aditi Shah
Aeris Clinic Of Allergy Chest & Sleep Care, Matunga East